The east garden felt colder the next morning. The cutting table was covered with bolts of fabric, and the air filled with the familiar sounds of the sewing circle. But something felt off.
Two of the newer members, Lily and Beth, kept glancing nervously at Alina.
Marguerite noticed them immediately and set her scissors down.
"What's going on?" she asked.
Lily's hands trembled as she gripped her needle.
"The king's investigation…people are saying that if the king finds His Grace and Alina guilty…the sewing circle could be shut down." Her voice cracked. "Some of them are suggesting that we should distance ourselves to stay safe."
The entire circle fell silent.
Alina slowly set down the fabric in her lap and looked around the women who had now become her family.
"They're right to be afraid," she said.
Marguerite turned to her immediately.
"Alina…"
